https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:14:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839809 Sat, 26 Aug 2017 03:11:19 +0000 Gigi 1839809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got Anthropologie's catalog today, and they have several floral blazers that are velvety and drapey. Maybe that would be an option? Velvet floral casual blazers seem to be cropping up at a lot of retailers for fall. I don't think they would be as hot as a regular blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839796 Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:29:27 +0000 Susie 1839796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had been off cardigans for a few years but got this ink one at NAS. It's a fine knit so the fit is more streamlined rather than bulky. And it is edged with teeny ball chain detail which adds a bit of shine and interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839792 Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:09:15 +0000 Echo 1839792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm personally enamoured with this cardi right now: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839635 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 18:07:51 +0000 Anonymous 1839635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need short cardigans, too, <b>Mainelady</b>. My short waist and curves make wearing a long cardigan difficult. I still love the waterfall cardigans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839604 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 16:22:59 +0000 minimalist 1839604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped's cardigan sounds like one of my EF ffb favorites. No visuals at the moment. No closure, a bit of structure along the edges, and the material just feels and looks better to me than what I've seen in many classic cardigans. </p> <p>Woven "cardigans" might also work for you. My favorite is of a silk/rayon/nylon spongy fabric with some texture. Will try to find visuals later. A bit of structure, with all the convenience of a cardigan. </p> <p>I'm over waterfall cardis, though only wore them in my lounge capsule. They were still in good condition, but felt more frumpy than fab. I guess frumpy is a loaded word. I can't remember what words to use instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839583 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 15:34:20 +0000 Suz 1839583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. I'm a confirmed jacket and blazer lover but lately I've been reaching for cardigans more often, as they stow into a bag more easily without wrinkling and I've been travelling a lot.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the new longer cardigans. I don't care for short ones on me. It's a question of proportions. I am not tall but I find the longer length works well with narrow skirts and dresses (sheaths or shifts), with cropped wide leg trousers, slim jeans (cropped or not) or flares.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839555 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 12:20:17 +0000 Anonymous 1839555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like long-and-lean, but not so long as duster-length. I don't feel this style is "frumpy" on me, but I'm not sure it is particularly " current" either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839547 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:52:42 +0000 Imogen Morley 1839547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mainelady, I've been thinking of belting long cardigans to show off my waist - thanks for the idea, I'll definitely belt and leave them open to elongate the body. For a petite lady that might offset some of the "bulking" properties of oversized styles.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839530 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 09:24:59 +0000 Mainelady 1839530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the frump factor is related to the proportions, or bulk of the fabric. For me, if the cardi is a heavy fabric, hits at the top of my thigh and buttons up, I look frumpy.<br /> I have found that if I want to button a cardi, it needs to be a short one. Longer cardis, or dusters work best for me if they are lighter weight, fluid fabrics. Ones with nice side slits work the best, for me, to pair with dresses, skirts, or slacks. I often will belt a cardi, but not close it all the way. The opening down the middle of my body, seems to elongate my overall look. It makes me look slimmer and taller, than when the same cardi is closed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839529 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 09:08:50 +0000 Imogen Morley 1839529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Firecracker nailed it: some cardis look bland because they fail to make a statement, their length falling between, as she said, neither long nor short. Now when I think of it, I wore a short cobalt blue high neck cardi as a topper for my civil ceremony cotton wedding dress, and felt absolutely fabulous (and so unbelievably comfy! All wedding dresses should have pockets!). It felt vintage-y and had just the right amount of modest-retro vibe I was looking for. But it was hipbone length at most, and bearing in mind my short waist, it would have been even shorter, perhaps even bolero-like, on someone taller than me.<br />You've all convinced me that long cardigans might be exactly the style I want. Found one at H&amp;M, but I need to check it out in the shop, their "burgundy" is often a lot darker and browned than in pictures.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www2.hm.com/pl_pl/productpage.0552866003.html">http://www2.hm.com/pl_pl/produ.....66003.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839461 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 01:25:50 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1839461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so funny how different people define "frumpy" differently. I tried on a Kate Spade cardi today (can't find it online to do a find). I loved the vintage/retro/classic look, find it to be the opposite of frumpy, but it has a crew neck, ends right at the hip and is floral pattern in a black background, which several people here seem to find the epitome of frump. I suppose your body shape and size make a huge difference. I'm not sure where the first half the word comes from, but wouldn't be surprised if the last part is from "lumpy"--isn't structure generally the opposite of frump?</p> <p>ETA: I was way off on the source of that word. It comes from an older word meaning "wrinkle" <a href="https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/frump" rel="nofollow">https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/frump</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839433 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:16:46 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1839433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to wear cardigans All. The. Time. Then I felt like you do--all of a sudden, I felt way less than fab in them. <br />Now I'm back to wearing them a lot, but in different styles than the old crew-neck basics I used to gravitate toward. <br />I think an easy updated classic cardigan is the long, v-neck. It feels comfy and easy to style with office or casual looks, and yet it is more current feeling to me than the crew-neck ones that were neither short nor long. All of these examples below are ones that I currently wear. I have several of the crew-neck 3/4-sleeved one, too--the shorter length, 3/4 sleeves, and close fit make them feel stylish enough to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839354 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:07:50 +0000 Sal 1839354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also had to make this adjustment, so I know where you are coming from.</p> <p>I have moved away from cardigans a bit as I have struggled to find ones I like. &nbsp;But I have exactly this issue, great tops and struggling to find a comfy smart modern topper!!</p> <p>With jeans/pants I do like them quite long (like Bijou), this seems to work with a variety of tops. &nbsp;With dresses I have moved to jackets... or for evening a small bolero (not trendy but does the trick)</p> <p>I have not been wearing a lot of skirts so have not had to worry about this. &nbsp;I think as we move to more waist definition there may be more options around too.</p> <p>My favourite cardigan ever was conventional style but just had the perfect amount of drape, in the perfect bone colour, hitting just at the hip. &nbsp;I wore it too shreds!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839327 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:49:31 +0000 Gigi 1839327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Imogen, I would call the two items you linked to jackets and not blazers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839326 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:48:42 +0000 Laura G 1839326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about a shorter cardigan, one that hits at the hipbone? I find the longer ones always look frumpy on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839222 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:42:10 +0000 Bijou 1839222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer long cardigans. I have one that I love that has a lace hem, so it is quite dressy and lovely to wear and is full length, like the second picture. I also have a cocoon style cardigan that feels more modern to wear than a traditional button up (like picture 1). Knitted ponchos are also a fun and light weight alternative to a cardigan. I love to wear these particularly when travelling on a plane. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839217 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:29:58 +0000 Imogen Morley 1839217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the pics and suggestions!&nbsp;<br />To clarify, my style is smart casual on weekdays with gamine/preppy elements (office job, though I rarely have to look super professional), casual on weekends (chasing after the kid, errands, sometimes a short trip out of town). I always buy pieces I can dress up and down depending on the occasion, to get the most bang for my euro. Sort of, garments I can wear with heels and slip on sneakers alike. I do like soft, unstructured jersey blazers, but I'm afraid they're falling out of style. I haven't seen as much of them as last year, and none in burgundy. Moto jackets look fantastic on other people, but they're too stiff and constricting for me. I also can't imagine wearing one in place of a blazer.&nbsp;<br />Been shopping online today. Would you call these two jackets or blazers?&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.promod.pl/kobiety/kurtka-w-rockowym-stylu-bordowy-R7270013098.html">https://www.promod.pl/kobiety/.....13098.html</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.camaieu.pl/pl/p/2500018358998/kurtki/kurtki/zakiet-dopasowany">http://www.camaieu.pl/pl/p/250.....dopasowany</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839125 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 06:16:18 +0000 plonkee 1839125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know you don't like blazers so this may not work, but what about an unlined jersey blazer. They are very similar in feel to a cardigan to wear but look quite different.</p> <p>This is mine, I don't button it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839121 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 05:03:36 +0000 Gigi 1839121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These aren't exactly "crisp," but I do think they're modern. They're also very versatile. I have one in white and one in black, and both are workhorses.</p> <p>I have the same problem. I dislike denim jackets, I find cardigans usually somewhat frumpy, and blazers are usually to preppy for my style. I like motos but have difficulty finding them in my size (I have very narrow shoulders and a short waist). That doesn't leave much for toppers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839084 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 02:18:52 +0000 unfrumped 1839084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have a find but &nbsp;I have same struggle. I have a BR merino that is low-hip, V neck (not jewel) and is very slightly fitted through the midsection, not their boyfriend style, &nbsp;and I like how that looks over dressy T tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839059 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 00:45:56 +0000 jill58 1839059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Imogen</b> -- are you looking for something for work or something more casual? Can you tell us anything more about your style?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839043 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 00:05:57 +0000 JAileen 1839043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got the Talbots catalog and saw this one. I really like it.</p> <p><a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/jackets/merino-sweater-jacket-prdi43384/N-10229?selectedConcept=" rel="nofollow">https://www.talbots.com/online.....edConcept=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839039 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 23:31:43 +0000 Thistle 1839039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rather like the waterfall ones right now. Can get them in a range of price points from Nordies to Kohls.</p> <p>I also have my eye on a military inspired one, though that may not be for everyone. But I like the bling. Magpie gene. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/non-frumpy-cardigans#post-1839026 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:53:33 +0000 Imogen Morley 1839026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've taken a long break from cardis, only to discover that they don't fit my style anymore. I've been dying for a burgundy topper and when I grabbed a basic high-neck cardigan in this colour, once my absolute staple, I was overjoyed. For about 25 seconds. I can't believe how frumpy I felt wearing it!&nbsp;<br />It seems like it's time to kiss cardis goodbye for now, but I need a topper of some kind to layer over my short sleeved tops in the autumn. I've bought many great ones this season and it would be such a waste to wear them under pullovers and leave hanging in the wardrobe. So I have two questions, actually: what other types of toppers (except moto jackets and blazers, 'cause they tend to make me feel uncomfortably hot) could I be looking for and are there any cardi styles that feel crisp and modern? I've kept one I got at Mango - textured and open-front in sort of washed navy (found a photo in different colour), and it doesn't give off the frumpy vibe. I can't quite tell why, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Visual aids much appreciated!</p>